Dalit families stage protest, occupy forest land

The Dalit families of Ganguru in Arkalgud taluk have put up huts in the Gobbali Reserve Forest land as part of their protest demanding a grant of land for cultivation. The families, who were freed as

The Dalit families of Ganguru in Arkalgud taluk have put up huts in the Gobbali Reserve Forest land as part of their protest demanding a grant of land for cultivation. The families, who were freed as bonded labourers in 1994, have been demanding for a grant of land for decades. All these years they were allowed to cultivate a part of the reserve forest land. However, on April 1, the Forest Department took over the land, amidst protests. Hassan district administration assured them alternative land for cultivation. The families protested again on Sunday when the Forest Department staff members visited the spot to plant trees.